“He knows what he wants to do in the middle. His experience, eight out of 10 times, has come good for us. We always back him. He has won us so many games. He is a legend of the game.” When India captain Virat Kohli said this about Mahendra Singh Dhoni after India’s match against the West Indies at Old Trafford, it was good to hear for more reasons than one. It is perhaps the best way in which the captain could have handled a veteran and talismanic player who clearly seems to be struggling to increase the pace of his batting at will. Nevertheless, Dhoni is a key component in this Indian mix and a few words of reassurance from the skipper will only enhance his self-confidence and sense of belonging, especially in the middle of a tournament such as the World Cup. Indian cricket is not known for its healthy relationships between the multiple ‘captains’ in the side. From that point of view, Kohli’s words were refreshing.
Besides the great friendship and camaraderie between the two, there aren’t two ways about the fact that Kohli wanted Dhoni in this World Cup squad, for the former captain’s wealth of experience and also as a strategic partner. Dhoni bossing the proceedings in the 30-yard circle when the skipper positions himself in the deep is a familiar sight. From field placements to giving timely inputs and suggestions to the bowlers, Dhoni is ‘switched on’ and involved every single ball. When it comes to the DRS, there is nobody who gets it right as often as Dhoni does, so much so that it’s called the ‘Dhoni Review System’!
Kohli has to be given credit for forging such a wonderful partnership. The discomfort an incumbent captain experiences in accommodating former captains in the team is well-known and that’s what makes the Indian skipper’s way of handling Dhoni praiseworthy. Kohli acknowledges the value Dhoni brings to the table, has no qualms in turning to the senior for help, treats him with respect and the team is so much better for it. The calm and collected Dhoni is a perfect foil for the intense and expressive Kohli. In fact, the partnership of the two reminds one of India’s formidable Davis Cup partnerships; between Ramesh Krishnan and Leander Paes. A combination of ice and fire, and the nation is the beneficiary.
Virat Kohli and M.S. Dhoni share great camaraderie | AFP
The current Indian team has one thing in common with the side that played in the 1999 edition; both teams boast of arguably the best batsman in the world of their times―Sachin Tendulkar 20 years ago and Virat Kohli now. Comparisons are often unfair, but sometimes inevitable. Unlike Sachin, Kohli entered this World Cup with the added pressure of being the captain of the most followed cricket team in the world besides carrying the tag of the world’s best batsman. So far, he has done exceptionally well. Players who don’t feel burdened by the weight of captaincy aren’t many and those who don’t let their personal performances get affected by it are even fewer. Virat seems to relish the challenge and his numbers speak for themselves.
Virat Kohli the batsman has transcended himself into a league of his own, with an astonishing level of consistency. Virat Kohli the captain, well, one might say that he is lucky to have the kind of resources he has, but he has been inspirational in his leadership and has led from the front. When you have a captain whose performances are so phenomenal, the team members don’t have to look elsewhere for motivation. Kohli the batsman is definitely rubbing off on Kohli the captain.
So, how did the talented but reckless, brash, chubby and fidgety teenager, an Under-19 find, manage to transform himself into a mature, bearded leader of men and one-of-all-time batting greats? Kohli’s story of transformation shall indeed be a case study. It all started with his unflinching commitment to be a fitter cricketer and often a fitter cricketer is also a better cricketer. But it’s not just about his fanatical focus on fitness. Kohli’s success can be attributed to his tremendous cricketing self-awareness. The man has been brutally honest and has been willing to accept the flaws and constantly improve upon them. He identified the loopholes in his batting and worked tirelessly to plug them. He was willing to listen to the pieces of advice he got from experienced players in a constant quest for excellence. He even let his ego take the back seat and was prepared to leave the balls alone, seeking perfection as a batsman.
What one finds most interesting is that Kohli has achieved this tremendous transformation without tinkering with his basic aggressive persona. The aggression, zest, zeal and the exuberance is still very much there and that’s very important. One shouldn’t tinker with one’s DNA after all. Kohli stays rooted to his strengths and at the same time has successfully managed to channelise the ‘fire’ in him, which had once threatened to consume him, in the right direction.
Virat Kohli’s success can be attributed to his cricketing self-awareness | Reuters
The remaining matches of the World Cup might throw tougher challenges at him, especially as a captain. He leads a team which has a top heavy batting line-up and he realises how crucial his own contributions as a batsman will be. With questions being asked of a seemingly fragile middle order, it will be a sterner test should the top order fail to contribute. Some brilliant display of bowling aided by the inexperience of Afghanistan and the indifference of the West Indies saw India bailing themselves out of tricky situations, but better teams in similar situations will offer captain Kohli stiffer challenges. Though Kohli hasn’t been tested entirely in this World Cup yet, there is no doubt that he is the undisputed King in world cricket at the moment. Long live King Kohli, for that’s good for world cricket and best for Indian cricket!
Sreeduth is a sports broadcaster, management consultant, quiz show host, columnist and a noted percussionist as well.
